Lawmakers develop intern rules to prevent sexual harassment

KANSAS CITY - The Missouri House is working on new intern rules aimed at preventing sexual harassment after recent scandals led two legislators to resign.

The Kansas City Star reports that an early draft of the policy includes tighter rules for administering internships. The policy also calls for the establishment of an ombudsman so interns could report problems.

Lawmakers have been under pressure to take action since former Republican House Speaker John Diehl resigned as the session concluded. He acknowledged that he had exchanged sexually suggestive text messages with a 19-year-old Capitol intern.

Then last month, Missouri state Sen. Paul LeVota submitted his resignation following allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances toward interns. The Democrat denied the allegations, but they prompted party leaders to question his ability to serve.